//------------------------------//
// 6. 
// Story: The Mystery of Applejack's Parents 
// by Musical_theatre_demon 
//------------------------------//

Just like he said, he met Tornado Wind right at the same spot he found her the day ago. Since she agreed to help, Bright Mac gave her the sealed envelope and directed her as is. The filly nodded in understanding and was on her way. 

Bright Mac headed home, and when he did, the navy blue filly was flying overhead. He silently cheered to himself as Granny Smith and Grand Pear watched suspiciously from the sky. 

"That ain't Derpy," they both said. 

At least something they agreed on for once. Not that it mattered, of course. 

"Maybe Derpy's sick," Grand Pear and Granny Smith said. "So she sent a filly to do the work for her." 

After that, they didn't think much of it, which eased Bright Mac's tension. He took a deep breath and laid back, closing his eyes and full of relief. Once she delivered the letter, she headed back to Ponyville. Now to wait for Pear Butter to open it. 

Excitedly, Pear Butter ran out of Pear Farms and to the small mailbox in front of the farm and instantly opened it. Overjoyed, she saw a letter addressed to her and grabbed it. With the letter in her hoof, she raced back inside and sat at the family table. Before opening it, however, Pear Butter checked to see who it was from, although she had a good guess of who it was. 

I mean, who else could it be? she thought.

And she was right. It was addressed to her by nopony other than Bright Mac. She opened it and read it aloud:

"Dear Pear Butter, 

I am writing to you with sad news. Frustrating news at that. I ain't the happiest Apple in the bunch, I'll guarantee you that. You're probably asking why and I feel the need to explain to you. I can't tell a lie, so I spilled everything that happened yesterday. That was mighty stupid a' me, but hey, like I said, I can't lie. So now I'm writing to tell you that I am on close watch from my mother, Granny Smith, and am forbidden to ever go over to Pear Farms again. She says if she sees me with you, I'll be in big trouble. 

You're probably wondering how I was able to get this letter to you. And you won't believe me when I say that a filly flew it over for me. But one really did. Thanks to Tornado Wind, I've got a secret messenger on hoof, and I've gotta say, it's mighty handy. 

Lots a' love, 

Bright Mac"

Pear Butter's excitement turned to sadness as she clutched the piece of paper to her heart. She'd never see him again - this was the end and there was no going back. Forget the marriage plans, forget eloping when you've got Granny Smith watching you like a hawk. But maybe there was still a way. She could go see him, couldn't she? She just couldn't be seen with him. That could work, Pear Butter thought to herself before plopping back on her bed, the letter still clutched to her heart.